Body Language Allan Pease - Gulf Daily News

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Gulf Daily News Wednesday, 6th June 2012

Volkswagen launches CC range...

GDN_Daily_Winner_27cm(h)x2 clmn(8.3)_MAY-05.ai 1 6/3/12 n At the event are, from left, Volkswagen Bahrain sales manager Hussain1:Shirawi, Behbehani Brothers motors division general manager Peter Green, Volkswagen Bahrain brand Manager Felix Miranda, Behbehani Brothers marketing executive Nariman Ahmed and executive director Hussain Shirazi and, right, a guest tries out the new CC

New twist in terror retrial A KEY suspect in the retrial of 21 men accused of being part of a plot to overthrow the government yesterday alleged the case against them was based on their political views.

National Democratic Action Society (Wa’ad) secretary-general Ebrahim Sharif made the claims during a four-hour hearing at the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court. “We are all being tried for our opinions and thoughts, I am standing trial in this case because I am the head of Wa’ad political society,” he said. “I don’t incite violence. In fact, I don’t oppose the monarchy if it’s democratic, but I only ask for better changes for Bahrain. The initial demand was not to overthrow the regime but for better changes for Bahrain.” Mr Sharif claimed a prosecution witness, a police investigator who took to the stand during a previous National Safety Court hearing, had no evidence proving him guilty and had only referred to ‘secret sources’. “The witness told the judges I was planning violence on Sunni mosques, which did not make sense because I am Sunni,” he said. “He also claimed I wanted a religious rule in Bahrain even though every one knows I am liberal. “I believe in freedom of speech, which should be an option for any one to demand his rights freely.” Two other defendants, Abdulla Isa Al Mahroos and Abduljalil Al Meqdad, were also cross-examined during the hearing. All three claimed they had been mistreated in custody. However, high-profile prisoner Abduljalil Al Singace, opposition activist Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, who last month ended a managed hunger strike started in protest at his earlier conviction, and Hassan Mushaima were not in court. They previously refused to attend any more hearings, claiming the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court was biased. Security was tight for yesterday’s hearing as riot police surrounded the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry complex and National Security Agency officers were present inside the courtroom. Judges accepted a request from defence lawyers to add the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report as evidence. They also ordered a lawyer be summoned to represent Mr Mushaima and adjourned the case until Tuesday. All 21 suspects were earlier con-

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By Noor Zahra victed by the National Safety Court in connection with alleged attempts to overthrow the government last year with help from a foreign terrorist organisation, Seven of them, including one sentenced to life behind bars, are still at large having been sentenced in absentia. But their appeal was earlier referred to the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court for review by the Cassation Court. Eight defendants, including Mr Al Khawaja, were earlier jailed for life for their part in the alleged plot. Ten others were jailed for 15 years each, while two got five years

after being cleared of some of the more serious charges and another was jailed for two years for taking part in illegal gatherings and spreading rumours and lies. They include Mr Mushaima’s son Ali and Dr Saeed Al Shehabi, who is head of the London-based opposition group Bahrain Freedom Movement. One defendant, Al Hur Yousif Al Somaikh, in his 20s, was convicted of taking part in an illegal gathering at the former GCC (Pearl) roundabout, but had his two-year sentence slashed to six months and was earlier released having already spent 12 months behind bars. [email protected]

Volkswagen Bahrain launched the new Volkswagen CC yesterday. The exclusive event, at the Bahrain City Centre, was attended by Volkswagen officials and media personnel. Volkswagen Bahrain brand manager Felix Miranda said the new vehicle is a technically and visually updated version of the popular business vehicle. “It is a model that combines German engineering and style, and is our most successful four-door coupé, encompassing safety, exquisite style and space,” he said.

Reworked The CC design team, led by Volkswagen brand design head Klaus Bischoff, reworked the front and rear body sections of the CC. “This has given the vehicle an even more elegant yet dynamic overall image. New alloy wheels and car colours complement other exterior modifications,” said Mr Miranda. “The car’s features also include the lane assist lane-keeping assistant. “This feature represents a significant functional extension and a gain in safety.” The CC is available in three variants, 1.8 litres; 2.0 litres and 3.6 litres, with prices of BD11,900, BD13,900 and BD15,900 respectively.

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